Baseball Deal Hits Snags

Thu., Dec. 5, 1996

Compiled From Wire Services

Baseball’s proposed labor deal hit a pair of snags involving bonus money and free-agent rules, causing a delay of a ratification vote.

Lawyers worked day and night to try to resolve problems in two areas: a $2.5 million dispute in 1996 postseason bonus money; and deadline dates for 14 players who will gain free-agent rights when the agreement is ratified.

Union head Donald Fehr said he expected a ratification vote today at the players’ annual executive board meeting in Dorado, Puerto Rico.

Willie McGee will stay with the St. Louis Cardinals, agreeing to a $1 million, one-year contract… . The Baltimore Orioles offered arbitration to left-handed pitcher David Wells, who won 11 games last season before starring in the playoffs. Wells, 33, has until Dec. 19 to accept or reject the Orioles’ offer… . The Boston Red Sox acquired hard-throwing Dominican pitcher Robinson Perez Checo from Japan’s Hiroshima Toyo Carp… . Former Spokane Indians outfielder Thomas Howard, released last week by the Cincinnati Reds, agreed to a $750,000, one-year contract with the Houston Astros.

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Baseball Deal Hits Snags

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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